PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER

Book Review of Smarty Pig

2012-01-30T07:26:00.000-05:00

Smarty Pig

Author: Molly Nero

Illustrator: Monique Turchan

Genre: Picture Book

Published: December 2011

Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
www.halopublishing.com

ISBN Number: 978-1-61244-048-4

Synopsis
The school yearhas started, but the pigs have given up and don’t do their homework, exceptSmarty Pig who is working hard. When the others fail, she becomes their tutor.By creating games in their home that practice skills, Smarty Pig shows themthat learning is fun and not just for school, it’s for life.

Review
Smarty Pigis a rhyming picture book with a wonderful message for children. By reading this book,children will learn the importance of doing their homework and of doing well inschool.

The red haired piggy is avery studious student, while the other piggies would rather goof off bywatching TV and playing outside. Whilethe other piggies backpacks lay scattered on the floor, the red haired piggy isbusy working on her homework. The otherpiggies even tease her, calling her names like “Smarty Pig” and “Teacher’s Pet,”but she ignores them all, continuing on with her studies.

When report cards come home,all the other piggies are sad, but not the red haired piggy. While the others got F’s for all of theirsubjects, the red haired piggy got A’s. The other piggies finally realize they must change their non studying ways.

The red haired piggy agreesto tutor them so that they can all get better grades. She tutors them in math and science, showingthe other piggies that learning can be fun.

This is a book wherechildren can learn, in a fun way, the importance of doing their homework. This book would be a wonderful addition toany school library, classroom, or home library.

The colorful, full pageillustrations do a wonderful job of helping complete the story.

Molly Nero grewup in Texas loving to sing, dance, and read. She spent over 18years teaching elementary school. Reading to her own children, she was inspiredto write. Molly Nero recently moved to Pennsylvania where she resides with her family, 2 dogs, and aleopard spotted Gecko and enjoys writing, cooking, and making snowmen.

The second book in the Smarty Pig book series Smarty Pigand the Test Taking Terror releases in Spring 2012.

Website: www.smartypigbooks.com

Facebook: Molly Costen Nero

Grand OPENING Tour Stops

2012-01-25T11:54:00.001-05:00

Monday, January 23rd was the kickoff of the Grand OPENING Tour. Be sure to visit each of the blogs on the tour. OPENING is the second book in the trilogy written by Stephen Tremp.

January 23 - Arlee Bird Tossing It Out

January 30th - M Pax Wistful Nebulae

February 6th - Alex Cavanaugh Alex Cavanaugh

February 10 - Hilary Melton-Butcher Hilary Melton-Butcher

February 14 - Rachna Chhabria Rachna’s Scriptorium

February 15 - Melissa Bradley Melissa’s Imaginarium

February 17 - Lydia Kang The Word is my Oyster

February 20 - L. Diane Wolfe Spunk on a Stick

February 22 - Ciara Knight Writing to the Edge of Darkness

February 24 - Sia Mckye Sia McKye Over Coffee

February 27 - Susanne Drazic PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER

March 2 - Talli Roland I Drink Coffee. Then I Write. Then I Drink Wine

March 5 - The Golden Eagle The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

March 8 - Shannon Lawrence The Warrior Muse

March 12 - Jemi Fraser Just Jemi

March 19 - Jenny Pearson The Pearson Report

March 21 - Misha Gericke My First Book

Stephen Tremp is the author of BREAKTHROUGH and OPENING. He is working on the third book in the trilogy, which is titled ESCALATION.

http://breakthroughblogs.blogspot.com

** I have updated the tour schedule to reflect new blogs being added as tour stops.

This and That Links 2

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

My post last week was on the goals/resolutions I set for myself for 2012. Check out this link to a blog post titled "Forget Resolutions Go For Real Solutions." I thought it was pretty cool.

http://www.writersonthemove.com/2012/01/forget-resolutions-go-for-real.html

Here is a giveaway at JGDS that I just learned about today.

http://www.jgdsseries.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-2012.html

Blogging From A to Z Challenge is in April 2012. For details on when to sign up, where to sign up and any other details about the challenge, check out the following link. I've decided to give it a shot this year. Should be LOTS of fun.

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Did You Set Any Goals or Resolutions for 2012?

2012-01-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

The following are my goals/resolutions:

1. Work on my health by eating healthier, losing weight, and exercising.
2. Declutter my home by eliminating unnecessary items and simplifying how things are done.
3. Take classes and workshops, pertaining to all aspects of writing, whenever possible.
4. Read at least one book a week.
5. Write something everyday.
6. Submit at least one piece of writing per month. More than once a month would be better!
7. Try to do a better job of keeping up with my blog reading.

Did you set any goals or resolutions for 2012?

Upcoming 2012 Education Wants to Be Free Classes

2011-12-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

Four new courses are being offered at Education Wants to Be Free in February 2012. They are:

Write Your Novel YOUR Way in 100 Days. This course takes a different approachto teaching novel writing. Instead of giving you a single route to writing yournovel and prescribing a specific system, you learn about what goes into thefinal product and then Terri gives you a buffet of techniques to use to write yournovel. Can't stand plot outlines? No problem. Need a highly structured plotoutline? No problem. Need something in between? No problem. Many roads lead to Rome but you mayfind one more accommodating than another. The course includes a critique of upto 50,000 words of your novel, feedback on individual assignments, interactionwith both students and instructor. ($19.95 for 18 weeks of Instruction)

Writing and Selling Magazine Articles. Writing magazine articles provides theeasiest road to publication for the beginning writer. For the establishedwriter, it can give you an additional revenue stream. Writing magazine articlesis easy and profitable. Terri has taught this course many times and always hasstudents sell articles or get assignments during the course. Includes critiquesof two magazine articles, feedback on individual assignments and interactionwith both students and instructor via email and a discussion board. ($19.95 for18 weeks of instruction)

Computer Mediated Communication for Writers. The idea of the solitary writer working alone is becomingan anachronism. Writers today are connected to the world from their computers,tablets, smartphones and even ereaders. This connection has changed theenvironment in which we communicate. From Social Media Marketing and Networkingto Online Collaoration to Writing Effective Emails to Epublishing and Writingfor Digital Media, this course introduces you to the world of Computer MediatedCommunication and how to use it to advance your writing career. This is aspecially dedicated version of a course that Terri has taught for three years at thecollege. However, unlike the college course, this one focuses entirely on theneeds of writers. This course is built around a discovery model with thestudent working individually and in a group of other students, taking part in anumber of exercises. By the end of the course, the student will have createdFacebook Friend and Like (formerly Fan) pages, a Twitter account dedicated towriting endeavors, a blog and a website. The student will also develop a socialmedia marketing plan. Instructor will provide feedback on all of theseassignments. ($19.95 for 18 weeks of Instruction)

Time Management for Writers. This one month course expands on the popular weeklong seminar Terri has taught at the Muse Conference. During that one week, you canonly really talk about the techniques of time management. In this course, youwill apply those techniques. By the end of the course, you will have completeda time inventory, set up a daily planner customized to your lifestyle, apply atleast three time management techniques for an entire month and report on theresults. You will interact with other students, sharing triumphs andchallenges, and the instructor. ($3.95 for four weeks of instruction)

Give the Gift of Learning - If you have a writer friend (published or unpublished), you can make a gift oflearning by purchasing one or more of these courses. Email Terri at webservant2003@gmail.comfor information.

Two-fer Specials - if you register for one class at full price, you can register in a second class of equal or lesser price (now or anytime within12 months) for half price. Or if you want to register with another person, oneof you will get your registration for half off. It's great to take classes withanother. You can buy one and give the other to a friend. So, You could get twonovel professional writing courses for $29.90. Or take the Magazine Writing andComputer Mediated Communication class together for the same price. Since thesesame courses will be offered Summer and Fall 2012, you don't even have to takethe courses at the same time. Email Terri at webservant2003@gmail.com for details.

The Super Bundle - Terri has held off the best deal for last. You can have the whole writing bundlefor $40. That's all four courses, plus you'll receive two free ebooks - a $10value.

*** The special pricing for the Two-fer Specials and The Super Bundle are good through January 20th. If you want to take advantage of the discounts, you must email Terri directly at webservant2003@gmail.com forinstructions on how to do that since she have to enroll you manually.

At Education Wants to Be Free, Terri has made learning fun and affordable.

*** BTW, Terri will give half off on any one course to anyone who will promote theseclasses in some way on their blog or website.

BIO - Terri Main has writtenprofessionally for more than 40 years and has taught at the college level for30. She is a pioneer in online education having developed online courses forcollege level instruction since 1999. She brings both her teaching and writingskills and experience to the table in these courses. Her writing has appearedin a variety of magazines including: Woman's World, Writer's Digest, American Way, Salesman's Opportunity, Entrepreneur, and American Food and Ag Exporter. Her Science Fiction MysteryNovel Dark Side of the Moon was released in 2011 by MuseItUp publishing.She has also taught communication at Reedley College for the past 22 years both face-to-face and online and was instrumentalin transforming the college newspaper into a multi-media online publication.She lives in Reedley, California with three computers and five cats.

Real or Artificial?

2011-12-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Christmas is only five days away!

I've been in cleaning mode the past several days, trying to get my home and life organized as much as possible before January 1, 2012. I still need to tackle the office so I can get it cleaned out and rearranged so it will be ready for a Christmas present I will be getting at the end of the month. (Yes, I know one of my presents.) I'm getting a new desk. : )

Today's question is this:

Do you have a real tree or an artificial tree?

We have an artificial tree. The picture above is from last year.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Merry Christmas to one and all!

Finally Home by Elysabeth Eldering - One Week Christmas Sale!

2011-12-13T08:34:00.001-05:00

Finally Home

by Elysabeth Eldering

YA Paranormal Mystery

Elysabeth is having a one week Christmas sale of her YA paranormal mystery, Finally Home. If you are looking for last minute Christmas gifts, consider this book.

The one week Christmas sale runs from December 17th to December 24th. Click on the link to Elysabeth's blog, Elysabeth's Emerald City, where you will find all the details of the sale.

Daily Journal Writing

2011-12-06T07:36:00.001-05:00

I've been receiving emails from WriteSparks!™ creator, Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ, because I signed up for WriteSparks!™ Lite. In the latest email was an article about daily journal writing. I thought it was interesting and thought others might, too.

Writing in a journal every day takes discipline. There is no better way to learn the nuts and bolts of good writing, however. Daily journal writing not only helps you unwind and figure out your feelings, it also gives you that practice time needed to become a skilled writer. So how do you start this habit of daily journaling?

...Read the rest of this article at
=> http://writesparks.com/lm/link.php?id=5edeaaefws-forty-six

Shery is thecreator of WriteSparks!™ - a software that generates over 10 *million*Story Sparkers for Writers. Download WriteSparks!™ Lite for free athttp://writesparks.com

My Final NaNoWriMo Results Are In

2011-11-30T08:55:00.001-05:00

I did it! I WON NaNoWriMo!

My final word count was 51,169

CONGRATS to all NaNoWriMo winners!

Didn't win NaNoWriMo?

If you attempted to write 50,000 words in the month of November but fell short of the goal, you are still a winner in my book.

Have a great day!

What Are You Thankful For?

2011-11-22T11:13:00.001-05:00

Hello to all my blogger friends!

Yesterday I was so wrapped up in my NaNoWriMo writing that I forgot to make a Monday blog post. Has anyone else ever been that involved in something, that everything else was forgotten?

Thanksgiving is only a couple of days away, so I thought I'd take this time to share a few of the things I'm thankful for.

1. I'm thankful for my loving husband and my loving son.
2. I'm thankful for the freedom to worship God.
3. I'm thankful for my extended family and for all of the wonderful friends I have.
4. I'm thankful for having a roof over my head and food to fill my tummy.

There are so many more things I'm thankful for, but I want to keep this blog post short. Does anyone else want to share what they are thankful for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

NaNoWriMo Update

2011-11-14T20:26:00.001-05:00

We are almost at the half way point of NaNoWriMo. How is everyone doing? Have you been writing everyday?

I missed a couple of days of writing, so I'm behind on my word count, but I pushed myself to get a lot of writing done today. My word count is currently at 16,208. That means that I'm approximately 7,100 words behind schedule. I'll get caught up within the week, as long as I don't miss anymore days of writing.

Good luck to everyone participating. Keep at it!

World of Ink Tours for Nov. '11

2011-11-07T07:03:00.000-05:00

You can findout more about Jewel Kats’ World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/JewelKats.aspx.There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sureto stop by and interact with Kats and the hosts at the different stops byleaving comments and/or questions.

In addition,come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories forChildren at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson andIrene Roth will be chatting with Jewel Kats about her books, writing, the publishingindustry and experiences with virtual tours. Kats will also be sharingwriting tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life. The show will be live November 7, 2011 at 2pm EST.

You canfind out more about Natasha Yim and Gretchen Maurer’s World of Ink Author/BookTour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/YimandMaurer.aspx.There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sureto stop by and interact with Yim and Maurer, along with the hosts at thedifferent stops by leaving comments and/or questions.

In addition,come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories forChildren at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson andIrene Roth will be chatting with Natasha Yim and Gretchen Maurer about theirbooks, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Yimand Maurer will also be sharing writing tips and trials, andtribulations of the writer’s life. The show will belive November 14, 2011 at 2pm EST.

You can find out more about Karen Cioffi’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/KarenCioffi.aspx.There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sureto stop by and interact with Karen and the hosts at the different stops byleaving comments and/or questions.

In addition,come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories forChildren at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Karen Cioffi about her books, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Karen will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life. The show will be live November21, 2011 at 2pm EST.

You canfind out more about Jan Britland’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/RodgerDodger.aspx.There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sureto stop by and interact with Britland and the hosts at the different stops byleaving comments and/or questions.

Inaddition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Storiesfor Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson andIrene Roth will be chatting with Jan Britland about her books, writing, thepublishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Britland will also besharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life. The showwill be live November 28, 2011 at 2pm EST.

Blogger Awards

2011-10-31T10:32:00.000-04:00

I've received the Versatile Blogger Award and One Lovely Blog Award from Rochelle Weber. Rochelle's blog link is http://rochelleweber.blogspot.com. Thank you so much for the awards, Rochelle.

These are the rules that go with these awards:
1. Thank the person who gave you the awards and link back to them in your post. Thank you, Rochelle!
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Pass the awards along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it.

Seven Things About Me

1. I'm almost finished with my Christmas shopping
2. I could eat Chinese take-out several times a week
3. I will be passing out baseball cards to Halloween trick-or-treaters
4. This is my 2nd year attempting NaNoWriMo
5. I like burning candles or incense while I write
6. I'm addicted to couponing
7. I like iced coffee

Blogs I'm Passing The Awards Along To
1. Flowers On The Fence   http://flowersonthefence.blogspot.com
2. Joylene Nowell Butler, author   http://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com
3. That's Write   http://leightmoore.blogspot.com
4. The Writing Mama   http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com
5. Meetings with My Muse   http://meetingswithmymuse.blogspot.com
6. The Life and Literary Pursuits of Alexia Chamberlynn   http://alexiachamberlynn.blogspot.com
7. Sharp Pen/Dull Sword   http://sharppendullsword.blogspot.com
8. Elana Johnson   http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com
9. Laurie Boris, Freelance Writer   http://laurieboris.com/blog
10. Connie Arnold, Children's Author   http://childrensauthorconniearnold.blogspot.com
11. A Bloggers Books   http://www.abloggersbooks.com
12. JD'S Writers Blog   http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.com
13. The Write Game   http://writegame.blogspot.com
14. Michelle Teacress   http://michelleteacress.blogspot.com
15. The Bumpy Road To Writing For Children   http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com

Congrats to all!

Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty by Neil Hanson

2011-10-24T08:09:00.001-04:00

Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty

Author: Neil Hanson

Publisher: High Prairie Press

Published: May 2010

ISBN: 9780982639108

Paperback, 132 pgs.

Book Description:
In this story told in the first-person form of a letter from a middle-aged manto his deceased father, Hanson invites us to journey with him through the finaldays of the father’s life, finding a magical transition waiting at the end ofthat journey. The story weaves end-of-life reality and spiritual questioninginto a sensitive and revealing tapestry of Truth and Wisdom. The tapestry is colored with true stories of mysticalexperiences that inform the spiritual path of the son.

Most of us will face difficult and painful end-of-life decisions with the mostimportant people in our lives. The threads of this aspect of the story aresensitive, and Hanson reveals the struggles and destinations of the son as hewrestles deeply with the journey that he must walk in making these decisionsfor his dying father.

My Thoughts:
When I first started reading Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty, I found it hard to get into. Although the author explains why he uses the spelling G_d instead of God throughout the book, and also explains using interchangeable gender references when referring to God, these were the things that I found distracting.

As each person reads this book, they will probably each take away something different from it. No two people are on the same life's journey, so no two people are looking for the same thing when dealing with the loss of a loved one or the need for a spiritual connection to God. We all need to have a sense of peace and understanding when dealing with loss.

What I took from reading Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty is that I need to write my letters to my loved ones while they are still here on earth. I want to have no regrets with any of the important relationships in my life.

Neil Hanson lives and works in Colorado. Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty ishis first book. He blogs actively and writes articles for periodicals. He is anavid outdoorsman, passionate about hunting and fishing. He spends a great dealof time bicycling the roads and trails of Colorado,and backcountry skiing in winter. His passion for gardening spills over into ajoint venture with his oldest son, where they operate a landscaping andconstruction company in Colorado.

Neil Hanson's website:
http://neilhanson.com/

Neil Hanson's Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/neilmhanson

Neil Hanson's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/neilmhanson

Neil Hanson's blog:
http://neilhanson.com/Blog/

Book Spotlight - When Monsters Get Lonely

2011-10-20T05:17:00.002-04:00

When Monsters Get Lonely

Author: Maha Huneidi

Publisher: Createspace
www.CreateSpace.com

Published: June 2011

ISBN Number: 9781461063070

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Blurb: One night, during a blackout, Hannah’sworst fear comes to life when her monster pays her a visit in the dark ofnight. Hannah finds it difficult to control her dreadful fear, until Gramsreveals how our thoughts magically create our lives.

Maha Huneidi with her granddaughter

As a mother, grandmother, meditation and yoga instructor, debut children’sauthor Maha Huneidi is finally doing what she is most passionate about, atsixty, being charged by a mere idea, one that she can turn into a story orarticle.

“I love to write. It empowers and delights me,” states Huneidi. “I also lovethe newness, exuberance and curiosity of little kids, and I share the twolatter traits with them, as well as many other traits like the ability to makemistakes fearlessly and learn from them, for example.”

Author Website: http://www.empowerment-and-kids.com

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Monsters-Get-Lonely/142181009193986

http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/MahaHuneidi.aspx

4RV Publishing is Having a Christmas Sale

2011-10-17T07:33:00.002-04:00

Stop by the book store at 4RV Publishing and check out all the titles that are on sale. Prices marked include sales tax and shipping. The sale runs from now through December 5th.

http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com

I'm Back!

2011-10-13T07:52:00.001-04:00

Hello to everyone who stops by to read this blog post!

It has been about two and a half weeks since my last posting. I was quite sick for a little over a week. There were times I thought I should go to the hospital, but didn't. About the time I'd be ready to give in and go, I'd start feeling better and think the worse was over. I did a lot of sleeping during that time. I'm glad to say that I am feeling much better.

The 2011 Muse Conference was last week. I didn't get to participate as much as I had wanted to, due to the lingering effects my recent illness. I have to say that the workshop I did participate in was very rewarding. Thanks, Beverly, for teaching the Vision Boarding workshop!

The Muse Online Writers Conference for 2012 will be October 8 - 14. Be sure to sign up. It is an awesome conference! http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com

What Is Everyone Reading?

2011-09-26T07:22:00.000-04:00

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey.

Misspelled Words

2011-09-22T07:43:00.001-04:00

Have you ever found yourself ~~mispelling~~ misspelling words, because they’re not always spelled the way they sound? Silent letters can really throw a person off of their game when it comes to spelling.

See if you can find the correct spelling from each set of words. Now don’t cheat and look them up in the dictionary and don't go to the end to see what the answers are until after you made your choices.

1. (a) dumbell
    (b) dumbbell
    (c) dummbell

2. (a) cemetery
    (b) cematery
    (c) cemetary

3. (a) perogative
    (b) perogitive
    (c) prerogative

4. (a) posession
    (b) possesion
    (c) possession

5. (a) accommodate
    (b) acommodate
    (c) acomodate

6. (a) garantee
    (b) guarantee
    (c) guarante

7. (a) consensis
    (b) consensus
    (c) consenssus

8. (a) greatfully
    (b) gratefuly
    (c) gratefully

Answers:
1. (b) dumbbell
2. (a) cemetery
3. (c) prerogative
4. (c) possession
5. (a) accommodate
6. (b) guarantee
7. (b) consensus
8. (c) gratefully

So how did you do? Share your results in the comments.

More Blogs to Check Out

2011-09-19T07:34:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it is already Monday? Although I knew yesterday was Sunday, and Monday always follows Sunday, I forgot I needed to have a blog post ready for today. Oh my! What to do? I'll share some more blog links! If you like YA, then check out these links:

YA CONFIDENTIAL   http://yaconfidential.blogspot.com

DOWNTOWN YA   http://downtownya.blogspot.com

BookHounds YA   http://foreveryoungadult.blogspot.com

Young Adult Author, Elana Johnson   http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

Have fun checking out these blogs. Hope everyone has a great day!

Blogs to Check Out

2011-09-15T10:52:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd share some blog links with you today. I hope you'll stop by and check them out.

The Character Therapist http://charactertherapist.com

Education Wants to Be Free http://educationwantstobefree.blogspot.com

Project Mayhem http://project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogspot.com

Smack Dab in the Middle http://smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com

Do you already follow any of them?

Only Two Weeks Left ...

2011-09-12T07:47:00.000-04:00

Are you registered for The Muse Online Writers Conference?

Oh good! I'm hearing lots of people say yes. That is wonderful! I look forward to "seeing" you all there.

Oh my! Did I just hear someone say that they aren't registered? Well don't waste another minute! There are ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT to sign up for The Muse Online Writers Conference. Sunday, September 25th is the very last day you can sign up.

Click on the banner on my sidebar or this link www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com, where you will find all kinds of information about the conference and then be sure to click on the registration link to get yourself signed up.

Mission Possible by D. L. McCarragher

2011-09-09T08:17:00.001-04:00

Mission Possible:
Spiritual Covering

Author: D. L. McCarragher

Publisher: Alabaster Box Publishing, Inc.

                    www.alabasterboxpublishing.com
Date of Publication: July 2009
Paperback, 80 pages    ISBN 13: 978-0-615-30357-4
Audio Book on CD   ISBN 13: 978-0-615-28584-9
Also available in Kindle format at Amazon.com and Ebook format at Smashwords

Mission Possible is a unique book in the Christian marketplace. It addresses a subject that is often overlooked and misunderstood. It is a candid look at Deborah's struggles and quest to reach her husband for Christ. She became a believer seven years into her marriage, and this book is her personal testimony. It applies Scripture and biblical principles to everyday struggles encountered within a spiritually mismatched marriage. Mission Possible won the 2010 Readers Favorite Gold Seal Award for best Christian Non-Fiction book, and was nominated for the Christian Small Publisher’s Assoc. Book of the Year Award in 2009.

Excerpt – Chapter 1 - You’ve Embraced Christ Now What?

The spiritual skirmish had begun. Don’t underestimate the enemy. I did not fully understand spiritual warfare and would learn about that as time progressed. I began to grow in my understanding of God’s Word and how Satan opposes a couple’s holy union. I would learn about “putting on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-19). I would learn that “standing firm” was mandatory - - not an option. My spiritual clothing was necessary for survival as “half of a saved couple”. God desires for you to become “one flesh” – at the altar and in the spirit realm. Satan can’t bear the thought of it. This is where your perseverance plays a huge part.

The enemy will mercilessly bombard you with thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical disdain for your mate. You must take every thought captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and stop looking at your mate as the enemy. Don’t let his actions and words provoke you into disobedience.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for building up, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Matthew 18:9 states, “and if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.” So it goes with your tongue.

Stop committing spiritual murder against your mate! Bite it off and cast it away! Don’t sin by grieving God as you curse the very person God wills to join you to, as ONE!

FROM BACK COVER:
MISSION POSSIBLE is a "must have" book for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus ...

In Mission Possible you will:
- Discover how to believe with radical faith for your spouses's salvation
- Learn the secret to "staying the course" while you wait for your promise
- Find out why many women don't like to share their "secret sorrow"
- Overcome your own fears and doubts about your husband's future with God
- Join other women in the knowledge that God has a perfect plan of unity for you and your spouse

Deborah began her journey of creative writing soon after coming to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1989. She uses her spiritual gifts of encouragement and teaching in her home church. She is also a small business owner of over twenty years. Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her book. She and her husband have one married son serving in the US Military. They reside in north Florida.

Could you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in a Navy family and moved frequently as a child. I married my first husband right out of high school. That marriage ended in divorce four years later. I remarried in 1982 (to my current husband) and we’ve been married for 28 years. Seven years into our marriage, I gave my life to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

What inspired you to write this influential book?

I was involved with a local intercessory prayer group at the time, and was prompted by God during prayer to write down what He was conveying to me about my husband and his salvation. It was quite literally written while inspired, and without much effort on my part. I just typed on the computer as He led me to bible verses and topics to talk about. I remember writing down the names of the (7) chapters during prayer time on a tablet - just looking at them afterwards in awe. It was quite a moving experience.

What primary advice do you have for women who are married to "non-believing" husbands?

I think the most important advice is to have faith in Who God Is and His sovereignty. We can't "pre-package" our spouse's conversion experience, and God will always do what will bring Him the "most glory". We also have to remember that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. Our spouse (if unsaved) isn't governed by God's Spirit - so we have to release them from that accountability. We must have faith that rests in God and not in our own understanding, or by sight!

What kinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

I have had great reaction to my little book. Some women love it because it is not lengthy, and they can read it quickly - yet refer back to it over & over again. One woman emailed me a testimony that she was nearly ready to leave her husband, but after reading the book, felt that God was leading her to give her marriage another try. That was very humbling and gratifying for me. I just want to help women see that there is an alternative to being miserable in an unequally yoked marriage.

What's the main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?

I would love readers to discover that God has a plan for each marriage that is in spiritual disunity. It involves us, but it is always done HIS WAY! I want readers to know that it is a process that evolves over time, that we must not put God in a box, but give Him room to move in our spouse's life. They need to know that because we are not perfect and continue to sin, that satan will try to discourage and influence us (women) to believe that our "mission" is not possible - but with God, all things are possible!

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

Just that I know how difficult it is to be married to a spouse who doesn't share your love and devotion to the Lord Jesus. I, like many of my readers, get frustrated and disillusioned, but I know God has perfect timing and our best interests at heart overall. He wants our spouses to come to a saving knowledge of Him and embrace a future together that brings glory to Him.

How can our readers learn more about you and contact you directly?

They can visit my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com or email me at deb@alabasterboxpublishing.com My paperback book is available on my website at www.Godmissionpossible.com . I offer a reduced price and FREE Shipping. It is also available for order at any Christian bookstore, as well as through online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. My ebook is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online ebook retailers.

I also maintain an inspirational Blog at www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com

Deborah, thanks for a great interview. I want to mention that readers can also connect with you on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GodMissionPossible

Mind Over Mind Blog Tour

2011-09-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mind Over Mind

Author: Karina Fabian

Publisher: Dragon Moon Press
Published: July 2011

ISBN: 978-1897942369

Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Karina-L-Fabian/dp/1897942362

Kindle Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-ebook/dp/B005D94LI0

Back Cover Blurb/Summary:

Deryl Stephen’s uncontrollable telepathic abilities have landed him in a mental health institution, where no one believes in his powers.

But when Joshua Lawson, a student of neuro linguistic programming, takes part in a summer internship, he takes the unique step of accepting Deryl’s reality and teaches him to work with it. As Deryl learns control, he finds his next challenge is to face the aliens who have been contacting him psychically for years—aliens who would use him to further their cause in an interplanetary war.

Excerpt:

Ydrel threw himself into wakefulness with such force that he sat up in bed. Still, the nightmare images clung to his mind: the beat of a hundred hearts, the smell of sweat and fear. He clutched his stomach and fought the urge to scream.

A hundred bodies crowded around him, crushing him against the splintered wood of the boxcar.

No, this isn’t real!

No room to move. No air to breathe. Suffocating. Drowning.

No, this isn’t me!

Confusion and fear. Fear the trip would never end. Terror of what waited at its completion.

NO! These aren’t MY memories!!

Ydrel threw up shaky mental barriers. The visions faded, just slightly. He forced his eyes open, drinking in reassurance from familiar objects.

He sat in bed, an oversized twin, backed up against pillows rather than splintered wood. Pre-dawn light shone softly through the blinds. On the nightstand, Descartes regarded him with one button eye. The only thing left from before his mother died, he’d slept with that bear until an orderly commented on his “abnormal attachment.” Since then it had stood watch over him instead, braced against the lamp. Even now, without any orderlies around, Ydrel resisted the urge to clutch it close to his chest, but he reached out to touch one tattered foot.

On the shelf beside the window sat a portable boom box, a gift from his first birthday here—his thirteenth. Five years ago, today. The maintenance man had disabled the volume control after Ydrel played it too loudly. Thereafter, he’d found other ways to block out the moans and occasional screams that penetrated the closed door. Happy birthday.

The stereo held up several books. He was studying them in case it called. He both dreaded and longed for the calls. Each episode only gave them more reason to keep him here, yet there was something as familiar and comforting about it as his old bear.

He turned his gaze to the far wall and the framed pictures of a nebula and the solar system by his half-empty closet. On his sixteenth birthday, he’d been allowed to decorate his room and he’d chosen those posters and a mild blue paint to replace the still–lifes and the institutional burgundy-and-pink color scheme. While it had been a relief to his eyes, it was also a constant reminder that they never intended for him to leave.

This is my room, he thought. In the asylum. Even after five years, he’d never call it home. He’d never give Malachai the satisfaction.

Calmer now, his mental barriers in place, Ydrel allowed himself to examine the vision that awakened him. Hundreds of bodies packed into a train car not suited for twenty. Most had traveling clothes, but had shed them against the heat. No room to move. The air was stifling and stale. No one knew where they were going. Some suspected, but said nothing. The destination was worse than the trip.

Ydrel sighed. Isaac was on the train to Dachau again.

Ydrel threw off the covers and dressed quickly in a blue t-shirt and jeans, socks and generic sneakers. Already Isaac’s projected fear was breaking down his mental defenses; Ydrel’s fingers trembled as he fumbled with the laces.

Once out in the corridor, he hastened to the old man’s room, forcing himself to keep his pace smooth, his face composed. Someone would stop him if he hurried or looked distressed, and any delay would be unbearable. As he walked he got into character. His stride lengthened; his face hardened. He held his hands relaxed but ready by his hips. When he got to Isaac’s door, he cast a wary look down the hall, then slipped in.

The old man lay on a standard hospital bed, his wide, wild eyes staring at the ceiling but focused on his inner horrors. His hands fluttered helplessly on the thin coverlet. He labored for each ragged breath.

Ydrel sat beside him and composed his own vision.

The train stops so suddenly that people would have been thrown down if they hadn’t been so tightly packed in. The sound of gunfire and shouts in German. The boxcar door opens with a rusty screech. Someone yells in Yiddish, then German: “Out! Now! Quickly, to the woods—to the south!” Relief from the press of bodies, then a new pressure as the flow of people pushes him through the door. Someone grabs his arm —

Ydrel grabbed Isaac by the arm as he pushed the new vision into the old man’s mind.

Isaac blinked, twisted toward Ydrel, then smiled, his eyes bright with tears. “Gideon! Old friend. Thank God!”

Tour Schedule:

1-Sep	www.fabianspace.com	info
1-Sep	http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/	info
2-Sep	http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com	Why I Don't Want Telepathic Powers
2-Sep	http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com	Inspiration Behind Mind Over Mind
3-Sep	http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com	review
5-Sep	www.fabianspace.com	Deryl's Letter
5-Sep	www.leebarwood.com/blog.htm	On Uncontrolled Telepathy
5-Sep	http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com	character sketch-Joshua
6-Sep	http://tracysmorris.com	interview
7-Sep	http://lit_handyman.livejournal.com	First Rule of Telepathy
7-Sep	http://inkspotter.com	interview
8-Sep	http://authorguy.wordpress.com	The Making of Mind Over Mind
9-Sep	www.leebarwood.com/blog.htm	review
9-Sep	http://frederation.wordpress.com/	interview
10-Sep	http://productivityathome.com	Small Steps to Big Goals
10-Sep	http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com	interview
11-Sep	http://CatholicMom.com	Excerpt: Joshua and his parents
12-Sep	www.fabianspace.com	Joshua's e-mail
12-Sep	http://boughanfire.com/	review
12-Sep	http://apiusman.blogspot.com/	interview
12-Sep	http://cce613.xanga.com/	info
13-Sep	http://apiusman.blogspot.com/	10 reasons to read/write sff
13-Sep	http://chastitybush.blogspot.com	Joshua & Sachiko
14-Sep	http://apiusman.blogspot.com/	review
14-Sep	http://gloriascorner.com	interview
14-Sep	http://inkspotter.com	Prioritizing Tips
15-Sep	http://theresacrater.com/	The Miscria
16-Sep	http://chergreen.blogspot.com/	One Sentence a Day
16-Sep	http://karencioffiwrtingandmarketing.com	I Like Ideas!
16-Sep	http://okalrel.blogspot.com/	character interview
17-Sep	http://cce613.xanga.com/	Marketing and the Multi-Genre Writer
17-Sep	http://reviewcarnival.blogspot.com	What Can't Your Character Do?
18-Sep	http://leemather.livejournal.com/	interview
19-Sep	www.fabianspace.com	Malachai's Message
19-Sep	http://loconeal.com/category/guest-blog/	Alien cultures
20-Sep	http://tmarquitz.com/blog/	interview
21-Sep	http://inkspotter.com	review
26-Sep	www.fabianspace.com	reviews
4-Oct	http://naomi-jay.livejournal.com/	Top Ten Reasons I Write
10-Oct	http://rryalsrussell.com/blog/	Telepathy or Insanity?
14-Oct	http://www.teenwordfactory.com/	advice to teen writers

Unlike her characters, Karina Fabian lives a comfortably ordinary life. Wife to Air Force Colonel Robert Fabian and mother of four, her adventures usually involve packing and moving, attending conventions, or giving writing and marketing advice in one of her many workshops. She's always had an overactive imagination, however, and started writing in order to quell the voices in her head--characters who insisted on living lives in her mind and telling her their stories. Winner of the 2010 INDIE award, winner and finalist for the EPPIE and finalist for the Global e-book awards, she's glad people enjoy reading the tales her characters tell.

Website: http://fabianspace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karina.fabian

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/KarinaFabian

Google +: https://plus.google.com/103660024891826015212

A Review of Fire Men

2011-08-31T05:44:00.000-04:00

Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family

Author: Gary R. Ryman

Published: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-9822565-6

Publisher: Tribute Books
http://www.tribute-books.com/

Book Website
http://www.fire-men-book.com

SYNOPSIS

Having served over thirty years in fire departments across three states, Gary R. Ryman brings a unique perspective to the firefighting experience. The son and father of firefighters, Ryman ignites the fire, smoke, blood and fear spanning three generations of the “family business.” He recounts his early days in upstate New York learning from his father, the department fire chief. He describes the blazes he battled with a career and volunteer crew in the crowded suburbs of Washington, D.C. He examines the mentoring relationship established with his son as they respond to the calls of a volunteer department in rural Pennsylvania. Overall, Ryman shares both the personal and professional turning points that define a firefighting career.

MY REVIEW

When I heard about the book, Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family, I wanted to review it because I have family and friends who either have been firefighters or still are. I know it takes a very special type of person to be a firefighter, because they face danger every time they answer a call. They truly are heroes.

In Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family the author shares stories of going to the fire station as a young boy and learning early on what it means to be a firefighter. There are stories of intense blazes, holiday calls, sirens blaring, car accidents, and rescues happening just in time that span throughout the three generations of this firefighting family. Ryman doesn’t sugarcoat any of the stories. He tells it like it is, sharing the mistakes as well as the triumphs.

I think that anyone who is already a firefighter, anyone interested in becoming a firefighter, or anyone who enjoys reading memoirs will want to read Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family.

Gary R. Ryman is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman

A Review of Repairing Rainbows

2011-08-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

Repairing Rainbows: A True Story of Family, Tragedy and Choices

Author: Lynda Fishman

Published: June 2010

ISBN: 978-0-9866074-0-0 (Paperback)

Genre: Memoir

Blog Tour web site:http://repairing-rainbows.blogspot.com/

Repairing Rainbows website:http://repairingrainbows.com/

Lynda Fishman's Twitter:http://twitter.com/RepairingLife

Buy links:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Chapters/Indigo
Kindle

FROM BACK COVER

At thirteen years old, Lynda’s life comes to a disastrous halt when her mother and two younger sisters are killed in a plane crash. Her father, overcome by despair, simply continues to exist, in a state devoid of hope. After burying a wife and two young children at the age of 44, the overwhelming responsibility of raising a daughter alone completely immobilizes him.

Teetering on that tender brink between childhood and adolescence, Lynda faces the responsibility of a father in a complete state of shock, a house to take care of and hundreds of decisions about how to proceed with their shattered lives.

In Repairing Rainbows she candidly describes the agonizing memories, deafening silence and endless hardships that are the fallout of incredible loss. As we follow her through marriage, motherhood and her own spiritual journey, Lynda reveals her complex feelings of hope, anger, pity and determination. Most importantly, she learns the crucial difference between “truly living” and the existence that is so often mistaken for being alive.

A true story, written by a woman whose normal and abundant life hides a terrible past, Repairing Rainbows is loaded with important lessons to help others overcome struggles and obstacles, and fulfill their lives. It is a powerful, captivating, riveting and easy-to-read story that will undoubtedly touch the hearts of its readers.

MY REVIEW

Sunday, July 5, 1970 was a day that changed the life of a close, loving family. It was the day that an Air Canada plane crash took the life of Lynda’s mother and two younger sisters. It might as well be the day that Lynda’s father “died” too, because he lived in a constant state of shock and was unable to emotionally be there for his daughter. There were no support groups for Lynda to turn to for help. There was no one to put her in touch with people who had lost family in that Air Canada plane crash. She felt so alone in her loss and grief.

I was only able to read a few chapters at a time, because reading about that tragic July day, the funerals and the years of Lynda growing up without her mother and siblings, was such a heartbreaking story. There were times that I got teary eyed, so I was glad to have had the foresight to have a box of tissues on hand.

Repairing Rainbows is also a book about hope, courage, and digging deep within one's self to find strength. Lynda knew that she had choices. She could choose to let this tragedy consume her for the rest of her life, like it did her father, or she could choose to live the life that she knew her mother would want her to live.

Towards the end of the book, Lynda shares about her experiences of meeting with a medium who helps her reach out to her family members on the other side. Lynda learns that her family is together and that they are happy. They are always with her. She is able to finally find peace.

If you like reading memoirs, you will want to read Repairing Rainbows: A True Story of Family, Tragedy and Choices.

In 1970, when she was thirteen years old, Lynda’s life came to a disastrous halt when her mother and two younger sisters were killed in an Air Canada plane crash.

As a young teen, Lynda made a conscious decision to become happy and to lead a fulfilled life. Lynda chose to live. She was committed to learning, growing and making a difference. Determined to find meaning and purpose in her life, she managed to muster up the courage and strength to dream big, to be idealistic, to strive for more, and to live a meaningful life where she could make a difference in he lives of others.

Lynda Fishman is a trained clinical social worker who has spent over twenty years as a camp director. In the early 90s, Lynda was one of the first camp directors in the Toronto area to incorporate children with special needs into mainstream camp life. Lynda has devoted a lifetime to organized camping and is passionate about the positive role of camping in a person’s life. She is the owner and director of Adventure Valley Day Camp.

Lynda is a motivational and inspirational speaker and facilitator. She has published articles and training manuals on leadership, teamwork, bullying, trust, childhood health and wellness, communication and customer service.

Lynda’s husband, Barry Fishman, has his own amazing story to share, having been orphaned at age 17 and left alone to care for his brother with special needs. Lynda and Barry met as teenagers and have been together since then. They have three grown children, and the whole family is heavily involved in supporting children dealing with tragedy, cancer or other life-threatening diseases, fund-raising and charity events.

Barry has spent his entire career working in the health care and pharmaceutical company. Teva Pharmaceuticals. Barry serves on the Board of Directors of the Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Lynda is a woman of action. She has incredible enthusiasm for life. She is persistent, focused and faithful to her dreams and goals. She is willing to work for everything with patience, optimism and determination. She finds ways to be grateful and positive. Lynda goes out there and does what she has to do with a CAN DO attitude of gratitude, positivity, compassion, and honesty.

Interview with Deb Scott

2011-08-25T07:49:00.000-04:00

Deb Scott, author of The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue - Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up! is a motivational speaker, certified professional coach, radio host, and award winning author.

Deb has battled depression, other's alcoholism, a dysfunctional family, sexual abuse and religious doubts and has emerged on the other end as a happy, successful executive who trains others to follow her path to happiness. She now teaches others the same life-changing techniques that enabled her to overcome these challenges.

A biology major in college, Deb became an award-winning sales and leadership specialist. With 20 years of background in cardiac surgery sales, she now applies her sales and business background to motivational speaking and consulting. She speaks and writes about how you can turn things around whether you're in sales, marketing, advertising, hiring, or team-building.

Hi Deb. What was your main reason for writing The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue?

It was the book I needed to read but could never find! I knew something was wrong, but couldn't find out what it was, or how to fix it. I felt alone and without hope. If someone feels like giving up because they feel as if they've tried it all - don't! The Sky is Green is a whole new way of thinking.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

A lot, but it was ongoing for years. Having been a biology major in college, I love research, data, and studies. I tried to offer support statements and credibility to the content with facts. Of course, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. I care because I've lived what I write about.

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue has a really nice cover. How much input did you have in the cover art?

Not as much as I wanted! I learned ideas in the mind don't always translate effectively in graphic arts. I originally wanted the sky to actually be green, and the grass of the rolling hills to be blue, but the result looked more like a science fiction thriller. We had to make the paradox in the readers mind against the visual, to create pause and curiosity.

What is different about The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue from other motivational, self-help or recovery books?

A sense of humor for one! Self-help can be a tough topic to discuss, often difficult because the subject matter is serious business. Enjoying the process is key for me, and something I wanted readers to experience on the journey through all pages. That, and lots of stories, quotes, exercises, and outside resources make it more than just a book, but I hope a companion reference guide used frequently.

What do you hope readers will take from your book?

The best is yet to come, enjoy being uniquely yourself, and don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle. No matter what sorrow, pain, or suffering you have endured or could be currently battling, there is always a greater good which can come from any bad if you have the right tools.

Do you have any favorite quotes?

My favorite, which I always close my radio show with is by Oscar Wilde; "Be yourself, everybody else is already taken!"

What is your marketing plan for The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue?

Social Media has been terrific, having won 2 national book awards has helped credibility, and of course book reviews like yours have been a blessing. I think people read what they trust to be true, making endorsements critical. I have done over 50 national radio interviews on the book, which has been a lot of fun.

Can you share about any projects you are currently working on?

Call in Coaching launches in September, the Motivation Marathon Fallathon is coming up in October, and I have an E-Book on Happiness coming out in November - so lots going on!

In what ways can people contact you?

My website and blog: http://www.greenskyandbluegrass.com

Radio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thebestpeopleweknow

Motivation Marathon: http://www.motivationmarathon.com/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/in/debscottauthorspeaker

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorandmotivationalspeaker

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GreenSkyDeb

Deb, is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't give up, believe in your dreams, keep the faith, take time to laugh, want what you already have, be grateful, give away lots of love everyday, and smile.

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue

Author: Deb Scott

Published: December 2009

Publisher: AuthorHouse

ISBN: 978-1-4490-4479-4 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-4490-4478-7 (Hardcover)

If you missed my book review post of The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue, then go to http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-review-of-sky-is-green-and-grass.html to check it out.

Book Review of The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue

2011-08-21T05:14:00.000-04:00

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue

Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up!

Author: Deb Scott

Publisher: AuthorHouse

www.authorhouse.com

Published: December 2009

ISBN:978-1-4490-4479-4 (Paperback)

ISBN:978-1-4490-4478-7 (Hardcover)

FROM BACK COVER

Do you want to be happy? Of course! We all want to be peaceful, purposeful, and experience authentic, lasting joy. The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue (http://www.greenskyandbluegrass.com), offers fresh, fun, and surprising ways to live in lasting happiness. All ages will enjoy learning how to transform ANYTHING bad into a diamond you LOVE. Ready to receive a powerful and effective mind vitamin to be happy? These pages were written for you!

MY REVIEW

Have you ever struggled financially, experienced grief, or been betrayed by someone you trusted? Have you ever asked yourself why bad things keep happening to you? Are you looking for the light at the end of the tunnel? Do you want to be happy? If you answered yes to even one of these, then The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue – Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up! is definitely the book to read.

The author, Deb Scott, understands the everyday and not so everyday struggles that affect our emotional, mental, and spiritual health, because she has dealt with them herself. In openly sharing her life, she makes it easier for the reader to know that they are not alone. She shares helpful advice and exercises that make the reader stop and think about their life. There are lots of great quotes, inspiring stories, and wonderful examples that all tie in together to get the most out of what the author is sharing with her readers. There are also links to check out for further learning.

I’ve read self-help books that have left me confused and feeling like I’m no better off for reading the book. That is not the case with The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue. The author shares things about herself and her life experiences in a way that made me feel as if I were sitting down and talking with her. The book was easy to read and understand at all times. I enjoyed doing the exercises found throughout the book. They made me stop and reflect on my life and how making even small changes in my thinking could make my life more positive. The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue is not just a book, but a personal journey.

I highly recommend reading The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue - Turning Your Upside Down World Right Side Up! By the time you have finished reading the book you will feel less burdened and much happier because of the new way you look at things. You will be more empowered to handle anything that is thrown at you, because you will have the available tools to turn life's negatives into positives.

Deb Scott is a motivational speaker, certified professional coach, radio host, and award-winning author. She specializes in working with individuals, businesses, and corporate environments, transforming ineffective group and personal dynamics into high-powered, successful, dynamic individuals and teams. A biology major in college, Deb became an award-winning sales and leadership specialist. With 20 years of background in cardiac surgery sales, she now applies her sales and business background to motivational speaking, coaching, and consulting. She speaks and writes about how you can turn things around whether you’re in sales, marketing, advertising, hiring, or teambuilding.

The Sky is Green and the Grass is Blue – Turning Your Upside Down World Right side Up! Is Deb’s debut book. Already a finalist winner of two National Book Awards for Best New non-fiction (USA Book Awards) and Best in Motivational books (INDIE Next Generation Awards), this book is changing lives! Deb is a frequent media guest and contributor to a variety of national magazines, and radio host of the exciting new BlogTalkRadio show “The Best People We Know Radio Show!”

Deb can help you turn your challenges into celebrations today. Visit http://www.greenskyandbluegrass.com

Blog Jog Day

2011-08-07T07:39:00.001-04:00

Although my blog is not participating in Blog Jog Day, I am planning on visiting many of the blogs who are. What a great way to show support to your fellow bloggers.

Last year, during Blog Jog Day, I made stops at many of the blogs and had a fun time meeting new bloggers. Many of the bloggers had fun contests that could be entered. I was a winner of a few prizes last year.

Stop by the Blog Jog Day blog at http://blogjogday.blogspot.com/ where you will find the list of all the blogs who are participating in Blog Jog Day today.

If you like finding new blogs, meeting new bloggers, and like the possibility of entering contests, then be sure to check out the blogs participating in Blog Jog Day!

http://blogjogday.blogspot.com

Giveaway Winners - Last of Christmas in July Giveaways

2011-08-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

First I'd like to thank everyone who participated in Christmas in July. I'd also like to thank everyone who stopped by to read the posts and for all the great comments that were left. It has been a busy, but fun month!

Now on to all the winners...

Christmas in July Winner #31 - provided by Jennifer Gladen
(A paperback copy of A Star in the Night written by Jennifer Gladen)

The winner is Marlena Cassidy!

The End of the Month Grand Prize Giveaway
(A $5.00 MuseItUp Bookstore gift certificate)

The winner is Hotcha12!

Misc. Giveaway #1
($2.00 MuseItUp Bookstore gift certificate)

The winner is Karen Cioffi!

Misc. Giveaway #2 - provided by Chelle Cordero
(pdf copy of Celebrating Earth Day 2011 Anthology)

The winner is Shannon Mawhiney!

Misc. Giveaway #3
(Strawberry Magnetic Memo Pad - 60 sheets)

The winner is lionmother!

Misc. Giveaway #4
(Strawberry Memo Pad - 90 sheets)

The winner is Sharon K. Mayhew!

Misc. Giveaway #5
(Book markers)

The winner is Beverly Stowe McClure!

Misc. Giveaway #6
(Book markers)

The winner is J Q Rose!

CONGRATS to all the winners!

I will be in contact with the winners about getting their prizes to them.

Christmas in July with Jennifer Gladen

2011-07-31T07:11:00.002-04:00

A Star in the Night

Author: Jennifer Gladen

Illustrator: K.C. Snider

Published: September 2010

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-055-2 (Print)
ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-056-9 (eBook)

Available at Guardian Angel Publishing Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

A Star in the Night has been awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval

BLURB
David makes his way home on Christmas Eve and sees this is no ordinary night. Accompanied by a shimmering star and some tough decisions, David encounters thee experiences that will change his view of Christmas forever. Join David on his wondrous journey home.

MY REVIEW
It is Christmas Eve and David is in a hurry to get to Mr. Renetti’s bakery before it closes. He wants to get some of the bakery’s special holiday cookies, because he feels that without them it just won’t be Christmas. On his way home, David has three experiences that will change forever how he looks at Christmas.

A Star in the Night is a wonderful children’s picture book. It has a beautiful Christmassy theme, but the message learned from the story can be shared throughout the year. Jennifer Gladen does a beautiful job of sharing what is really important during the holiday season and year round.

K.C. Snider did the colorful illustrations which compliment the story being told. I’ve seen other books K.C has worked on, but I think this is one of my favorites.

Although the recommended age for readers of A Star in the Night is 4-12, I feel this is a book that both children and adults will enjoy reading. I think A Star in the Night will make a wonderful gift for young children. This is a book that will definitely be read again and again. I feel this book would be a welcomed addition to any Sunday school, church or home library.

Jennifer Gladen is a children's author, mother of three and teacher who lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She has written several children's books, stories and articles, and started her own Catholic e-zine titled My Light Magazine. When not writing, teaching or mothering, she enjoys singing in her local parish choir on Sundays.

Website: http://www.jengladen.com

Today's daily giveaway is being provided by Jennifer Gladen. It is (1) autographed copy of A Star in the Night.

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES

2 extra entries if you post something on Facebook about A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen and come back here to post the link in the comments section

2 extra entries if you post something on Twitter about A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen and come back here to post the link in the comments section

This giveaway will be available for U.S. and Canada

Christmas in July - Winner #30!

2011-07-31T07:10:00.001-04:00

The winner of giveaway #30 is

Pat Dale!

CONGRATS!

Christmas in July with Jolie Pethtel

2011-07-30T07:53:00.000-04:00

Jolie Pethtel was born in Ohio, but raised in Arizona, where she met her husband Jim. Jolie has since moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where she lives with her husband and their six rambunctious children. Jolie is a Domestic Goddess by day and Writer by night.

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

I'm a married mother of six kids ranging from ages 4 to 14. I love to read and write both mystery and paranormal, adult and young adult. My best inspiration comes from thunderstorms and I used to love dancing in the warm Arizona rain (when we were lucky enough to get some). Now that I live in Indiana, I don't do it anymore. It's too cold, but I still enjoy the view.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

In second grade, when I wrote my first story. I'm one of the lucky ones who have always known what they wanted to be.

What genres do you write and why?

My upcoming release is a romantic mystery/comedy. I think everyone loves a good twist. Mostly though, I write paranormals. I've been fascinated with the supernatural for as long as I remember. I write both adult and YA.

What's a typical writing day like for you?

Absolute chaos, particularly during the summer. Kids screaming and running around, neighbors wanting to come over and play. I really do my best writing late at night while they're sleeping and usually don't stop until the sun comes up.

Do you outline before you write?

If not, what's your initial process? I'm mostly a pantser. I get a basic story idea in my mind and usually the story writes itself. I do keep some notes, especially if there some research involved, but there are times when the characters over rule my plans and alter the story to suit themselves. While I don't always actively plot, I do try to be thorough with my research. I recently killed a watermelon with a set of kitchen knives to see if a particular murder scene would be realistic. After I removed the knives, the kids ate the entire thing. Sometimes writing can be fun for the whole family :)

What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?

I love my kids dearly, but all the interruptions are a distraction. I keep vampire hours to get some quiet time to write. It's definitely not a 9 to 5 job.

What are your top three favorite books and why?

That's a tough one. I love to read. I'm reading the Hunger Games trilogy right now and it's really good. I also love Mary Janice Davidson's undead series and I read a lot of young adult paranormals.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Besides reading, I love digital photography, especially taking pictures of my kids and altering them with special effects.

If you could have coffee with anyone (living or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?

It's an intriguing question, but I couldn't choose just one. It's just as well. I don't like coffee lol.

Do you set daily, weekly, or yearly goals for yourself?

If so, what are some of your goals? I don't usually put a date on it, but I do have a list of goals. My first goal was to get published, which I've finally done. Painted Jezebel is coming out as an e-book in September. I'd like to see it in print also. My next goal is to finish and submit the sequel Poison Pens to my publisher. Then there are also a few other projects on hold I'd like to get back to and get published, including a paranormal YA series. All at once it's overwhelming, but taking one thing at a time makes it possible.

Do you have any unique ways to market your book that's different from how other authors are marketing their books?

My kids already talk up every adult they see about their mom the author. I imagine when the book comes out they won't rest until every teacher owns a copy.

What are you currently working on that readers will have to look forward to in the future?

Poison Pens is the second Jezebel Jinx Mystery. I'm hoping to have it in to my publisher before Painted Jezebel comes out if possible, so maybe a blurb about the new book could be added.

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

Don't be afraid of rejection. If you want to write, then write and submit. I waited too long because I was afraid no one would like my work. I know I could have been published much sooner if I had more faith in myself. As for rejection, if it happens, learn from it and try again. Fix what's wrong and resubmit. Don't ever give up on your dreams.

Painted Jezebel

A Romantic Comedy/Mystery

Set for release September 2011

MuseItUp Publishing
www.museituppublishing.com

BLURB

Publicist Finn Mackenzie has always been lucky, until an ill-fated affair with a vindictive writer leaves him one chance for redemption, a spectacular public appearance by the elusive best-selling romance author, Jezebel Jinx.

Unfortunately, the cute but kooky writer refuses to cooperate. Jezebel believes she’s cursed with bad luck. Riddled with anxieties, she never leaves her home— until the gorgeous, albeit desperate Finn whisks her away to a writer’s conference, against her will.

After the initial shock wears off, Jezebel’s dormant hormones kick into high gear around the hunky Finn—who’s recently sworn off the horizontal tango with writers.

When his ex turns up murdered and Jezebel is the prime suspect, ill-planned sexcapades are the least of their worries.

Today's giveaway is provided by Jolie Pethtel. It is (1) Peridot butterfly necklace and earring set.

This will be available to U.S., Canada and International

Christmas in July - Winner #29!

2011-07-30T07:52:00.000-04:00

The winner of daily giveaway #29 is

Stephen Tremp!

CONGRATS!

Christmas in July with C.K. Volnek

2011-07-29T08:28:00.004-04:00

I'd like Charlotte, aka C.K. or Charlie, to introduce herself before we get to the interview I recently did with her.

I was born in Colorado, and moved to Nebraska when I was five. We lived in several different towns in Nebraska but they all had one thing in common, they were all small towns. Boring some may say, but it gave me the opportunity to roam free and create my own adventures. I have always loved to read, spending countless hours at the library and signing up for all the reading contests I could. I still have the very first book I ever won after reading every horse story in the library.

I was tagged the family story-teller at a young age. I always had a rather wild imagination and as we would sit around the campfire, all eyes would turn to me. So what else could I do, but share my own spine-tingling ghost story.

After college, I married my best friend and we moved around some following his job...Iowa, then Tennessee. But we anxiously grabbed at the opportunity to return to Nebraska to be close to family. My husband and I have three wonderful children and four Papillon fur-kids, still enjoying life in small-town USA.

Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island, by C.K. Volnek, due to be released September, 2011 through MuseItUp Publishing (www.museituppublishing.com)

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m the fifth and final child of a very simple man who stood only 5’2” but who in my heart stood 12’ high. I still miss my daddy very much. I grew up in small town Nebraska, riding horses in summer and sledding the ginormous hills in winter. I married my best friend and together we have three wonderful children and four Papillon fur-kids. I’ve always loved to write and am thrilled that my first MG novel, Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island will debut in September. A Horse Called Trouble will follow in December with The Secret of the Stones (the first of a series titled The Lost Diaries of Northumberland) being available in April 2012

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

As a young adult, my goal was to write and illustrate my own children’s books. But, sigh, I let life get in the way. I got married and had a family and (as it should be) they came first. I still dabbled with my writing, creating Christmas letters, skits for church and short stories for Chicken Soup. But it wasn’t anything serious. Once my children got older, I began to take pleasure in spending a little more time for myself and returned to my passion of writing. Finding time to create on the computer was slim though, until my children got together and bought me my very own laptop about six years ago. This touched my heart, not only that they wanted to help me with my passion, but that they believed in me as well.

What genres do you write and why?

I love to write for Children, Middle Graders/Tweens and Young Adults. Kids are our future. When you can capture their interest, they are extremely passionate and enthusiastic. I only hope I can entertain them while teaching them a thing or two to help them become the great person they will be.

What's a typical writing day like for you?

For me there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day. Life is busy with family, friends, and I work full time. Much of the time, my writing has to be snuck in and around my daily activities…for now at least. I can only hope I’ll be the next J.K. Rawlings and be able to give up my day job. ;-) But for now, I will keep my muse happy and satisfied by writing into the middle of the night.

Do you outline before you write? If not, what's your initial process?

I do outline somewhat, but mostly I write as a panster. My stories are character driven and I just type the words as they whisper in my ear. I may have an outlined suggestion, but if my character has a different idea, we end up going down that road or not at all. They can very stubborn that way.

What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?

The hardest part of writing for me, is putting all distractions away. Life can be very busy. People call, kids stop by, there’s dinner to make, dishes to wash, laundry, cleaning, etc. Lucky for me, my husband is an early riser so he goes to bed early. I’m a night owl, so about 8:30 I’m looking at him a little cross-eyed and he gets the hint, heading upstairs to our bedroom. Then I turn off the TV and pull out my laptop and write or research until I’m bleary-eyed and stumble to bed.

What are your top three favorite books and why?

Just three? Oh my. And my top three will probably change from day to day…lol

One of my ultimate favorite books has to be Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. This is the story that truly instilled my passion for reading and writing at that very tender age I read it. Next I would have to acknowledge The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I loved the period piece, wonderful visions created, growth in characters, and I’m a sucker for a happy ending. Lastly, I do love the Harry Potter series. I enjoyed and truly marveled at how J.K. Rawlings took every character she introduced and wove them in and out of the story. There were no blank faces, every character introduced has a purpose.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I have a lot of loves in my life. I love to be with family and friends when I’m not writing, watching movies or just enjoying a good dinner. I love the outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the mountains or taking my four Papillons for a walk. I enjoy making jewelry, drawing, photography and making t-shirt quilts. Though I’m a little behind in all my crafts since promoting my book took over my life the last few months.

If you could have coffee with anyone (living or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?

Oh my, there are so many…but I guess I would love to entertain a good conversation with Jesus. I have so many questions as to why he would do what he did for me and ask how I can be the person he wants and expects me to be.

Do you set daily, weekly, or yearly goals for yourself? If so, what are some of your goals?

I have found my writing experience to be making progress in baby steps. I seldom make yearly goals but do make lists daily and weekly. I admit, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come in less than a year as far as promoting my books, but I know I have a long way to go. Daily lists will include my goals to write interviews, reviews, research, catching up on social media, etc., and alas…writing. Not everything gets done every day, but they just get moved to the next day. But it’s nice to look back over the week and see what I HAVE accomplished.

Do you have any unique ways to market your book that's different from how other authors are marketing their books?

I’m still learning all the different ways to market. So far, I tweet, blog, maintain a web page, post on facebook, as well as e-mail the many groups I have joined. I’m also always on the lookout for the next possible new friend that can share blogging posts.

What are you currently working on that readers will have to look forward to in the future?

I currently have two works in progress. The first in the sequel to The Secret of the Stones which comes out in April 2011. This is a light fun story about a boy who is entrusted with a magical gift, a gift that will ultimately lead him to the one and only Merlin the magician.

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

I would like to thank Susanne for hosting me here today. It has been my honor and privilege to be here. I would like to leave my readers and fellow writers with a quote I like to live by…

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

Life is about living what it is your heart. Be true to yourself, your family and friends and your word.

Ghost Dog of Roanoke Island

Available September 2011

MuseItUp Publishing www.museituppublishing.com

Evil haunts Roanoke Island and a young boy must unravel its mystery and destroy it, before it destroys him.

BLURB:

In 1587, 117 colonists disappeared from Roanoke Island without a trace, leaving behind not only unanswered questions, but a terrifying evil.

Now it’s up to twelve year-old Jack Dahlgren to unravel the age-old mystery and save his family from the hateful beast that haunts the island.

With the help of newfound friend, Manny, a Native American sage, and an elusive Giant Mastiff, Jack must piece together the clues of the Lost Colony to discover what this evil is and where it came from. Shrouded in ancient Native American folklore, Jack must uncover why the evil haunts his island and how to stop it. But can he destroy it...before it destroys him?

Today's daily giveaway is (1) $2.00 MuseItUp gift certificate.

This is available as U.S., Canada, or International

Christmas in July - Winners #28!

2011-07-29T07:29:00.000-04:00

The winners of giveaway #28 are

Donea Lee

(paperback copy)

Lynda R. Young

(pdf copy)

CONGRATS!

Christmas in July with Cheryl C. Malandrinos

2011-07-28T07:30:00.002-04:00

Promoting Your Seasonal Book Year Round

by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Just for the record, I love Christmas. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I embrace the season with all that’s in me. It wasn’t any surprise, then, that my first published book, Little Shepherd, was a retelling of the Christmas story.

Books with a holiday tie-in are wonderful because buyers looking for new ways to present seasonal topics are apt to purchase them. That said, when the holiday has come and gone, sales can drift away. This meant when I put together my marketing plan for Little Shepherd, I had to think about what I would do the other 9 months out of the year to promote it.

Here are some things that I’ve tried since the year started:

Writing Workshops

With dwindling budgets and greater expectations, educators are often looking for professional writers to visit their classrooms. I spent several days this year in the classroom running workshops on creating characters and story building. I didn’t talk much about my book specifically, but I can tell you that at Open House I walked down the hallway and one of my daughter’s classmates pointed and said to her parents, “That’s Sarah’s mom. She writes kid’s books.”

Volunteering

Being involved is very important for authors. As someone who works in book promotion, it pains me when an author spends money to promote her book and then drops off the face of the planet. It takes so much energy to drum up a following, why waste it?

By staying active in your community, you will have the chance to share your book with others. Whether I was at book fairs, volunteering at the library, or helping out at church, there have been chances to tell others about Little Shepherd.

Blogging and Guest Blogging

I’m a huge fan of blogging. I know it’s not for everyone, but so many people tell me they have found me on the Internet, and I have to credit it to blogging.

I went on a virtual book tour (VBT) last year to promote my book. I created a blog designed to help promote my VBT stops and posted to it nearly every day during the three and half months I toured. Now I use it to announce guest blogging spots and to talk about other kid’s books.

Look for opportunities to blog at a variety of sites. Short articles can go a long way in exposing more readers to your work. You can email bloggers directly or try using social media to let people know you’re willing to be a special guest.

Market Your Books to Libraries and Organizations

I subscribe to a blog run by Books & Such Literary Agency. Last year they launched a product known as Library Insider™. It is a two-part program that helps authors market their books to libraries. I’m using this product to redesign my marketing plan for 2011. Libraries and independent bookstores are usually eager to spread the word about local authors. Don’t be shy in getting to know them.

Part of my new marketing plan is sharing Little Shepherd with churches and Christian schools in the area. Think about what organizations might be interested in your book. You never know what might develop.

Promoting seasonal books isn’t much different than promoting a book without a holiday tie-in. Though the majority of your marketing might come during a specific time of year, it’s important to keep talking about your book and looking for new ways to share it with potential readers all year long.

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Her first children’s book, Little Shepherd, was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also a member of the SCBWI.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer, and blogger. She is also a regular contributor for the Writer2Writer eZine. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two children. She also has a son who is married.

Visit Cheryl online at her newly redesigned website at http://ccmalandrinos.com/ or at any of her blogs:

http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

http://littleshepherdchildrensbook.blogspot.com/

http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/

http://profwritersconnect.blogspot.com/

Today's giveaways are provided by Cheryl Malandrinos.

(1) paperback copy of Little Shepherd

This one will be available for U.S. mailing only

(1) PDF copy of Little Shepherd

This one will be available to Canada and International only

Christmas in July - Winner #27!

2011-07-28T07:28:00.001-04:00

The winner of giveaway #27 is

Anthony Stemke!

CONGRATS!

Anthony Stemke, please send your email address to smdrazic(at)yahoo(dot)com, so I can your prize sent to you. Thanks!

Christmas in July with Karen Cioffi

2011-07-27T07:02:00.000-04:00

Storytelling – Keep Your Reader Engaged

By Karen Cioffi

As an author it’s your job to create an engaging, compelling, suspenseful, intriguing, romantic, or other type of story content that will lure readers in and keep them turning the pages. But the key word for a successful story is ‘engaging.’

Engagement, according to Merriman-Webster.com, means to have an emotional involvement or commitment. Based on this, no matter what genre you write in the story must hold or engage the reader.

In an article in the Writer’s Digest January 2011 issue, Steven James takes a look at aspects of great storytelling.

The first rule to a successful story, according to James, is “cause and effect.” In children’s writing this is the same as an obstacle and its solution - there must be a circumstance that leads the protagonist to an action in an effort to find a solution. I do like the “cause and effect” wording James uses though, because it’s more in line with multiple writing genres.

In its simplest form, something happens (the cause) that creates or motivates an action or reaction (the effect).

James goes on to explain that along with cause and effect, the order in which an event unfolds or how it’s written will also make a difference between keeping a reader engaged and allowing for disengagement.

“As a fiction writer, you want your reader to always be emotionally present in the story,” explains James. If the sequence of an event causes the reader to stop and wonder why something is happening, even if just for a moment, disengagement grabs the reader.

As an example, suppose you write:

She fell to her knees, dropped her head, and wept uncontrollably. Her husband was dead.

While after just eleven words, the reader learns why the woman is crying, it may be enough time for that reader to pause and wonder why the character ‘fell to her knees, dropped her head, and wept uncontrollably.’ Creating the ‘effect’ before the ‘cause’ can lead to disengagement.

To create a cause and effect scenario that keeps the reader in the loop, you might write:

Her husband was dead; the words echoed through the room. She fell to her knees, dropped her head, and wept uncontrollably.

The second aspect of writing James touches upon is creating and maintaining a believable story. Even if writing a fantasy or science fiction, consistency is needed, along with believable actions, reactions, observations, conclusions, and so on, within the boundaries of the story.

A basic example of this might be if you write about a character with brown eyes, then somewhere within the story you accidently mention the eyes are green. This little slip creates a believability gap.

Any gap in the believability of the story or its characters has the potential to cause the reader to pause, question, and very possibly become disengaged.

Karen Cioffi is an author and ghostwriter. Her new MG/YA fantasy book, Walking Through Walls, is based on an ancient Chinese tale.

Longing to be rich and powerful, twelve-year-old Wang studies the legend of the mystical Eternals. Certain they are real, he journeys to their temple and begins an apprenticeship with the Eternal Master. There he enters a world of magic where not everything is as it seems, and where he learns the magic formula to ‘walking through walls.’

Walking Through Walls should now be available through online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and book stores. If it’s not yet listed, it will be very soon!

You can also order the book today at:

http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/mg-ya-page-2.php

To learn more about Walking Through Walls, its touring schedule and contest, and purchasing information visit: http://walkingthroughwalls-kcioffi.blogspot.com

To learn more about Karen and her books, visit:

http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/p/karens-books.html

Please be sure to stop by Farrah Kennedy’s site (http://tbfreviews.net/) on July 28th for the next stop on the Walking Through Walls Tour.

Today's daily giveaway is a $2.00 Amazon gift certificate.

It is available for U.S., Canada, and international

Christmas in July - Winner #26!

2011-07-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

The winner of daily giveaway #26 is

Stina Lindenblatt!

CONGRATS!

Christmas in July with Viviane Brentanos

2011-07-26T07:07:00.001-04:00

Today's guest is Viviane Brentanos. I'll let her introduce herself, before we get to the interview questions. Take it away, Viviane.

I was born in Reading

U.K.

in 1958. My father is English and my mother is French although there is a strong vein of Spanish on my maternal grandmother’s side. I was educated at various schools before completing Sixth Form College at St Peter's Huntingdon. I somehow managed to collect A levels in English, French and History and I subsequently won a place at Sheffield University where I decided to read Classical Civilization. Much to my mother's horror, I gave up my studies and went to London to begin a course as a canine beautician. In 1984, my first husband and I parted ways amicably and I decided to visit the Ionian island of Corfu to celebrate my new freedom. It proved to be a life-changing decision. I still remember to this day, sitting in a café-bar, overlooking the crystal clear azure sea and saying to my friend. “I never want to leave here.” Writing has become my passion. I have always been a "Romantic", often accused of not living in the real world but who wants to do that? I like to call my work Romance with a quirky, humorous Brit twist and I am always striving to make my characters real, characters we can all relate to. I hope you enjoy my world.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

This is tough because I am still trying to figure out who I am. I am a wife and a mother but I am still very much my own person. I am lucky in that my husband allows me to be who I am. My mother tells me I am a non-conformist. This is probably true. I don’t take to rules kindly and this could be why I love living in free-spirited

Greece

. My friends say I am sarcastic and difficult to please. Maybe this is because I demand loyalty and do not suffer fools gladly. I hate unfairness and bigotry of any kind. I adore animals and I weep for the state of Mother Nature and Mankind in general. If the Messiah is coming, he had better do it soon. I love to write. I love to create worlds in which I can mix romance with life’s nitty gritty all washed down with caustic humour.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I think when I was born. When I decided that the stories in my head seemed more fun than anything I had read and at least, that way, I could live out my fantasies on paper and get to sleep with gorgeous men.

What genre(s) do you write and why?

I love Contemporary Romance. I am very in to pop culture and I am always using modern music and personalities as references in my stories. I also lean on current world events to provide background. I recently had a romantic suspense accepted for publication by MuseItUp Publishing. I was so thrilled because it was a bit of a departure for me. I am in awe of those that write fantasy. I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones and it amazes me to see the depth of imagination some writers have.

What's a typical writing day like for you?

Coffee and croissant. Email checking, blog/interview writing {interspersed with Facebook}. I spend some time searching the net, always on the lookout for new promo avenues. If I have edits to do, these will be done after lunch, all mixed in with some longhand work on WIP. During the summer months, when I work as a hotel receptionist, is usually when I begin a new story. During the winter off, I then transfer my notes – which often need the Rosetta stone to decipher them – on to pc and this is when the fun begins. My favourite part of the process. Tweaking, editing, adding, and improving. Always trying to improve.

Do you outline before you write? If not, what's your initial process?

Mmm – good one but I am not sure how to answer. It depends on what I am working on. For example, my w.i.p – a major epic - is kind of writing itself. I am writing chapters from different parts of the story as and when the muse hits me. I have never done that before and now I find I must go and try and work out an outline so I can arrange everything I have already done. Does this make sense? If it does, you are a better man/woman than me. I do, however, always have the outline in my head. In fact, I always have the entire story in my head but it will be fleshed out when I come to write. This saga has been in my head since I was 13 and I still remember wholes scenes and dialogue.

What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?

Not enough time, trying to fit it in with normal life. Resenting having to come out of the zone to perform mundane, housewife tasks. I want to be successful so I can hire a maid and spend all day writing and promoting. Not being taken seriously as a writer because my name isn’t JK Rowling. How do I get past this? I dream of being on Jay Leno and telling all the scoffers to go to hell.

What are your top three favorite books and why?

Oh now this is a difficult one. So many favorites to choose from. Do I have to? I will list the books that inspired me to write. Gone with the Wind, Harriet {Jilly Cooper} and Five on a Treasure Island. This last one introduced me to reading and to worlds outside of my own.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love watching good blockbuster movies in bed. I like to swim and drink ice-cold beer with my friends. In the winter months, I love to cook {French mother} and I spend a lot of time talking to my rabbit, Rafa.

If you could have coffee with anyone (living or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?

I would love to have coffee with Darren Hayes, Russell Crowe, Daniel Craig, and Rafa Nadal. Conversation would be interesting and – let’s face it – my choices are easy on the eye. As for someone dead – Michael Jackson and Freddy Mercury.

Do you set daily, weekly, or yearly goals for yourself? If so, what are some of your goals?

I would say I set daily goals. I do try to promote my books a little every day. Sometimes, especially during the summer months when I work seven days a week, it isn’t so easy. My aim is to pen one single title a year. And so far I have managed to do so.

Do you have any unique ways to market your book that's different from how other authors are marketing their books?

I am trying to think about this one. It’s a promo minefield out there. So much to learn and not enough time. I think I try to be original in my blog posts. I always like to post something humorous and give the reader a glimpse of what makes me tick. I think it is more important than bombarding them with excerpts from your book.

What are you currently working on that readers will have to look forward to in the future?

Hah hah – I thought you would never ask. My lifetime project WILL be completed this year. It is a promise I made to myself. It is a huge epic tale of Ballerinas, race horses, rock stars, mean mothers, controlling mentors and jealous rivals. Think of it as a modern spin on tan 80’s blockbuster. Wish me luck.

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

To any aspiring authors out there, I say relax, enjoy your art, stay true to your voice and don’t give up. It is a long, hard road to publication and even then, it’s an even longer one to generate sales. If you are expecting fame and fortune, forget it. Write because it’s what you love to do. Any reward that may come your way is a bonus. Above all, maintain a sense of humor and stay grounded.

Thank you, Susanne, for inviting me here.

Cold, Cold Heart

Author: Viviane Brentanos

Published: June 2011

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
www.museituppublishing.com

Genre: Contemporary Romance Erotica (adult content)
Heat Level: Naughty with sizzle

BLURB
Daniel Haynes has the world at his feet- fame, fortune, so why does he feel so empty inside? What is his interest in Rachel Warner, a girl from a quiet Home Counties English town? Why does she hold the key to his happiness?

But Rachel Warner is scared. Daniel's interest in her threatens her ordered yet unsatisfying life because she has to live with the shadow of her ex-father-in-law breathing over her shoulder. Can she let go of her fears?

Today's giveaway is a $2.00 MuseItUp Bookstore gift certificate.

This will be available for U.S., Canada, and international

Christmas in July - Winner #25!

2011-07-26T07:06:00.000-04:00

Giveaway winner #25 is

Ann Best!

CONGRATS!